MAYAN RUINS OF CHICHEN ITZA

MAYAN RUINS OF CHICHEN ITZA

Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá on this approximately nine-hour excursion. Wander the remains of this once-mighty Maya city, exploring landmarks such as the El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors and the Great Ball Court.

Excursion details

Lasting around nine hours, this excursion is a chance to see the famed archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, formerly one of the greatest Maya cities. Begin with a ferry transfer of around 45 minutes to Playa del Carmen on mainland Mexico, followed by a roughly 15-minute walk to your bus. There’s then a journey of around two hours and 45 minutes to Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula.

One of the most famous archaeological sites on the planet, Chichén Itzá was announced as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. You’ll have around 90 minutes here, including a guided tour. The city was a major centre for the Maya people more than 1,000 years ago, though its history stretches back even further. El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcán or the Temple of Kukulcán, towers over the site: in essence a massive Maya calendar, built in stone, with 365 steps to the top – one for each day of the year.

Other highlights include the largest ball court, in Mexico, which was used to play a ritual game, and the Temple of the Warriors, flanked by columns featuring carvings of soldiers and gods, offering an insight into Maya mythology.

The return drive to Playa del Carmen takes around two hours and 45 minutes, followed by an approximately 15-minute walk to the ferry, before a return ferry journey of around 45 minutes.

Important Information: guests are advised that there will be an approx. 10-minute walk to and from the ruins from the car park. Guests are recommended to wear high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes to stay safe on the uneven terrain (limestone paths with loose stones). A government-imposed tax of US$5 is payable for the use of video cameras at the ruins; use of tripods and/or professional video equipment is prohibited.

The ferry crossing to Playa del Carmen lasts approx. 45 minutes and, depending on sea conditions, could be rough. The coach transfer to Chichen Itza lasts approx. 2 to 3 hours each way, and guests will spend approx. 45 min to 1 hr and 30 minutes upon arrival at the ruins. As the tour involves walking on uneven terrain, it is not available for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. Guests should also be aware to avoid damaging the fragile ruins, climbing them is prohibited.

This tour is only available on calls into Cozumel where the ship is in port for 10 or more hours. For calls when the ship is in port 10 or more hours, this tour will last an hour longer. Guests will walk approximately 1.5 km at the ruins

ST. KITTS BEACH BREAK

ST. KITTS BEACH BREAK

After departing the port you will travel through Basseterre to the tourist and residential resort area of Frigate Bay. The drive takes you over Timothy Hill and through the Southeast Peninsula, offering views of the sea on both sides. You will arrive at the bar and restaurant located on the beach with views of Nevis.

Walk out to the oversized wooden decks decorated with Caribbean themes and then onto the beach. There is an outdoor grill and bar and some water sports available. Spend time walking the beach, swimming, or sun-bathing. A beach chair, shared umbrella and one drink are included for each guest.

Relax and enjoy.
Please note: This tour is not available for guests with limited mobility. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen

DISCOVER ST. KITTS

DISCOVER ST. KITTS

Your tour begins with a drive of Basseterre. Basseterre, founded in 1625, later became the capital of St. Kitts in 1727. Historical Basseterre was first ruled by the French from the mid 1600’s to the early 1700’s when the English took over the reins of ownership. Efforts have been made to maintain aspects of Caribbean architecture that was greatly inspired by both the European and African heritage of the island. Pass by the Roman Catholic Co-Cathedral on your way to the next stop, Romney Manor, home of the world famous Caribelle Batik. Visit the demonstration room, where the acclaimed artists illustrate the wax and dye process of batik making. The Romney Manor Estate encompasses eight acres of historical ruins, ancient Carib Indian Rock drawings and a beautiful botanical garden. After the visit, you will return to the ship

SCENIC RAILWAY RIDE & COASTAL CRUISE

SCENIC RAILWAY RIDE & COASTAL CRUISE

See the sights of St. Kitts in a leisurely way, first onboard a narrow-gauge train -the “Last Railway in the West Indies” – and then on a catamaran. The St. Kitts’ Scenic Railway has been showing visitors the island since 2003, but before that enjoyed an almost 100-year career as the means by which sugarcane was transported from the fields to the sugar mill in Basseterre. This train features a second open-sided observation deck from which you’ll be able to enjoy island views all along the route.

Unlimited complimentary beverages are served during the ride and your guide will provide information on the former sugar estates, abandoned windmills and chimneys you’ll pass on the way. Further points of interest included on the ride are the first British and French settlements in the Caribbean, places where native tribes once lived and the 17th-/18th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress, along with numerous others. At the end of your train ride, you’ll be transferred to the marina to board the catamaran for your coastal cruise. You’ll be sailing along the storied western coast of the island, with views and refreshments to entertain you as you go. Your tour comes to an end with your return to the ship.
Please note: The order in which the tour is run may be reversed. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes.

SCENIC RAILWAY RIDE & ISLAND DRIVE

SCENIC RAILWAY RIDE & ISLAND DRIVE

Known to be the “Last Railway in the West Indies”, the St. Kitts scenic railway train has been welcoming visitors with the beauty of the island since 2003. Before that, the line was used to transport sugarcane from the fields to the sugar mill in Basseterre, something the trains reliably did from 1912 onwards. The route will take you up along the north-eastern coastline, while you relax and enjoy unlimited complimentary drinks onboard.

This train features a second open-sided observation deck from which you’ll be able to enjoy island views all along the route. Your onboard guide will provide information on key points of interest, such as former sugar estates, abandoned windmills, chimneys, the first settlements of British and French colonialists, the places where native tribes once lived, the 17th-/18th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress and numerous other places of historical importance. The train ride will be followed by a coach ride along the island and eastern coastline before you return to the ship.
Please note: the order in which the tour is run may be reversed. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes

DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURE

DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURE

Intelligent, inquisitive, interactive and nice by nature, dolphins are some of the world’s most lovable marine mammals. This tour gives you a chance to play with one in its natural habitat certified by the Alliance of Marine Parks and Aquariums. After your transfer to the Dolphin Discovery centre, you’ll enter the water with a certified Marine Mammal Specialist, who will guide the session and provide information about the dolphins. Shake a flipper and give “your” dolphin a hug. Then hold on to its fins and prepare to be pulled through the water as it swims backwards during the so-called “Belly Ride”, and then pushed by your powerful Dolphin on a Boogie Board on a thrilling ride above the surface. Following your interactive experience, you can purchase your photos before you re-board your transfer and return to your ship.
Please note: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. Guests must be a minimum of 48 in. in height to take part.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult throughout the tour and under their constant supervision at all times; in such an event, the paying adult will also be required to sign a waiver prior to departure. The tour is not available for pregnant women and guests suffering from pre-existing neck, back, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, joint issues, diabetes, motor limitations, guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or guests who have had recent surgeries. The maximum weight to participate in the dolphin ride experience is 286 lbs(130kg). The maximum age to participate in the dolphin experience is 79 years old. All guests should consider their physical fitness before reserving this tour. Guests must be capable of navigating stairs to access the Dolphin Habitat. Guests are required to wear a provided life jacket (mandatory).

Cameras are prohibited during the interaction, but photos of your interaction will be available for purchase afterwards. Guests are advised to leave jewellery and other valuables on board the ship. Lockers, showers and dressing rooms are available at no additional cost. Guests are recommended to wear swimwear under comfortable clothing, biodegradable sunscreen (for the sake of the environment) and to bring a towel and cash/credit card for additional purchases. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. As a special benefit for MSC Cruises guests, a “Dolphin Dollars” voucher offering a $10.00 USD discount on the purchase of photo packages is available at Dolphin Cove Caribbean destinations.

The voucher has no monetary value if not used. Restrictions apply: valid only for single or couple (2 people) photo packages and non-cumulative. The discount applies to photo packages only (not for 1 single photo) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Guests must present their Cruise Card or bracelet that identifies them as MSC guests in order to redeem this offer. Phones, cameras and video equipment are not permitted in the dolphin enclosure. It is recommended that guests wear a bathing suit, eco-friendly sunscreen, and bring a towel

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE

This Dolphin Encounter tour will allow you to interact with the lovable bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment certified by the Alliance of Marine Parks and Aquariums. Once you arrive at the Dolphin Discovery centre, you’ll be met by a certified – and knowledgeable – dolphin specialist who will share facts about these highly sociable creatures with you. Then you’ll enter the water and begin your encounter, benefiting from the dolphins’ naturally playful nature. After enjoying a hug, kiss, a flipper shake, a song, a dance, and numerous tricks that the dolphins will perform for you, you’ll have a chance to purchase photos taken of your time in the water. The tour then wraps up with your return transfer to your ship.
Please note: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. Women who are more than 5 months pregnant, or guests suffering from pre-existing back, neck, or respiratory problems are not allowed to participate in this tour.

Guests 47 inches tall and under must be accompanied by a paying adult or legal guardian. Guests must be capable of navigating stairs to access the Dolphin Habitat. Cameras are prohibited during the interaction, but photos of your interaction will be available for purchase afterwards. Guests are required to wear a life jacket (mandatory). Lockers, showers and dressing rooms are available at no additional cost.

Guests are advised to leave jewellery and other valuables on board the ship. Guests are recommended to wear swimwear under comfortable clothing, biodegradable sunscreen (for the sake of the environment) and to bring a towel and cash/credit card for additional purchases. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English.

As a special benefit for MSC Cruises guests, a “Dolphin Dollars” voucher offering a $10.00 USD discount on the purchase of photo packages is available at Dolphin Cove Caribbean destinations. The voucher has no monetary value if not used. Restrictions apply: valid only for single or couple (2 people) photo packages and non-cumulative. The discount applies to photo packages only (not for 1 single photo) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Guests must present their Cruise Card or bracelet that identifies them as MSC guests in order to redeem this offer.

Phones, cameras and video equipment are not permitted in the dolphin enclosure. It is recommended that guests wear a bathing suit, eco-friendly sunscreen, and bring a towel

ST. KITTS SAIL & SNORKEL ADVENTURE

ST. KITTS SAIL & SNORKEL ADVENTURE

This outing will have you board a catamaran and set sail for the southern tip of Basseterre and the site of your deep-water snorkelling experience: Shitten Bay. As you sail along the island’s coastline, you’ll pass Frigate and Friars Bays before you reach your destination. Accessible only by sea, the secluded Shitten Bay supports a variety of marine wildlife, including several species of reef-dwelling fish and coral formations.

You can choose whether to simply relax on the catamaran, take a dip in the water, or discover the underwater marine life while snorkelling. The crew will be able to provide snorkelling instruction for novices and on the way back, rum punch, soft drinks, beer and other beverages will be served to round off your outing and complement the views. Your return to the ship brings the tour to a close.

Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate in the snorkelling component of the tour.

Please note: Snorkel gear will be provided. Underwater visibility may be reduced due to sudden unforeseen changes in sea conditions. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult to snorkel.

Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. Alcoholic beverages will only be served after the snorkelling portion of the tour. All participating guests who enter the water must wear a life jacket or swim vest (provided).

Participating guests must be able to climb a boarding ladder in order to enter/exit the water. The tour is not available for guests with mobility problems, neck or back problems and/or a heart condition. Pregnant women are requested to exercise caution. Since the tour is of an active nature, participating guests are required to be reasonably fit.

NATURE KAYAKING

NATURE KAYAKING

Your tour guide greets you on your bus for a panoramic drive to the south-east peninsula, while passing highlights of the island and the historical places.

Arrive at your launch point where a safety briefing will be given by your guide, gear up and embark your two-person kayak. Paddle along the coastline while you take in the scenery. You will then stop in a secluded cove for your snorkelling experience. Return to the original launch site where your refreshments are packaged just for you, after which your bus awaits to take you back to the cruise ship. Tour can be done in reverse with snorkeling first. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Please note: Minimum age to participate to this tour is 8 years old accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum weight is 450 lbs per kayak (all kayaks are double).

Price is per person. Participant must be able bodies with no prior history of hip replacements or knee replacements surgery, should not suffer from back or neck injury or have any debilitating condition that impairs their movement as the tour is considered a very active and strenuous tour

CARAMBOLA BEACH BREAK

CARAMBOLA BEACH BREAK

Journey through the landscape of the Southeast Peninsula to Carambola Beach Club. With the mountains as a backdrop, this beach club is located on a stretch of beach along the Caribbean Sea. Feel the sand beneath your toes, bask in the breeze, and enjoy the ocean air from the comfort of your lounge chair.

Please note: Lounge chairs and a shared umbrella are included. It is recommended that guests bring sunscreen, a bathing suit, and a towel. For the call on January 19th, 2026, this tour will reroute to Coccoloba Beach Club.